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Troop 60 > Resources > Gear and Equipment > Backpacks > Ultralight BackpacksTroop 60 > Resources > Gear and Equipment > Scoutmaster Gear > Ultralight Gear > Ultralight Backpacks
Ultralight Backpacks
Ultralight Backpacks
Backpack choice is important and finding the right backpack will allow Scouts and Adults go on many of the great adventure we have planned.
Recommendation:
Recommendation:
These are NOT recommended for Scouts
Ultralight Backpacks
Ultralight Backpacks
You can save a lot of weight with a Backpack, but be ready to spend a lot of money on your pack.
Bags like this (Hyperlite Unbound 40) are a common site on the Pacific Crest Trail, where thru-hikers walk thousands of miles with minimal gear.
This bag is tough, light and minimal. This one also has that classic white fabric that's stained and "seasoned" with that special thru-hiker aroma.
This is a nice option for an experienced hiker who is able to get by with the minimal amount of gear and is looking to trim a few ounces.
From a Scouting perspective, these are generally NOT ideal options:
Most Scouts and Scouting Adults won't be able to fit everything they need in these packs
Difficult to strap on all the extra gear Scouts tend to bring (both individual and group gear)
These are cost prohibitive - These are REALLY Expensive!
Spartan (no frills bag with shoulder straps)
Most Scouts and Adults will miss all the nice features of a regular backpack
For our Scoutmasters with lots of backpacking experience, these may allow them to travel a little lighter and a little faster
An ultralight backpack can be a very expensive investment that is not suitable for many hikers. We recommend that you come talk to our Hiking Team prior to making a big purchase. We can share information and sometimes discount options for those still interested in ultralight packs.
Hyperlite 4400 Porter
Now known as Porter 70
Ultralight Backpack Examples:
Ultralight Backpack Examples:
Uses Robic nylon
Suspension consists of aluminum stays designed to transfer weight to hips
Less expensive than Hyperlite
Wider straps than Hyperlite
Capacity: 60L
Weight: 2.04lbs
Nice pockets for ultralight pack
Can carry heavy loads
Capacity: 50L
Weight: 1.94lbs
Good for light to medium loads
"Affordable" option compared to others
Packs made from Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) Dyneema fibers
Ultralight and durable fabric
Suspension consists of aluminum stays designed to transfer weight to hips
Lack load lifters - which some backpackers find important
Capacity: 40L (+9L outside)
Weight: 1.85lbs / 0.84kg (white)
For minimalists looking for durable pack and thruhikes
Capacity: 55L + 9.8L external
Weight: 1.95lbs
Durable pack with larger capacity
Multisport option
Comes with daisy chain and side compression straps
Designed for strapping gear to outside
Great versatility for Mountain Guide or Scoutmaster
Capacity: 68L
Weight: 2.29lbs / 1.04kg
Ultralight version Weight: 2.1lbs / 0.958kg
Ultralight Adventure Equipment Ohm 2.0
Capacity: 63L
Weight: 2.11lbs / 0.958kg
Ultralight version Weight: 1.96lbs / 0.887kg
Can carry heavier loads
Carbon frame rods may be too delicate for Scouting use
Capacity: 50L
Weight: 1.36lbs
Expensive pack, among less expensive, expensive packs
Light weight is a favorite feature
Doesn't fit everyone
Curved frame allows from some airflow to back
Frameless Packs
Frameless Packs
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, these were very popular for thruhiking. These packs reduce their weight by eliminating the backpack frame, extra features and sometimes the waistbelt. They are meant to be used for small loads - such as thruhiking with ultra-minimal gear in warm environments.
Some allow you to use your sleeping pad to double as a "frame". A sleeping pad won't give you the same support as a metal or carbon fiber frame, but will give your bag a little bit of structure when very light loads are carried.
Max Weight Capacity: 20-25 pounds
Twenty pounds isn't much, but if you are traveling in warm, dry climates, "cowboy camping", hut camping or possibly getting resupplies or fed along the way, this may be all that you need.
Image Source: equinoxltd.com - The Equinox Katahdin (1.6 lbs)
This early 2000s era frameless pack was all the rage for thru-hikers looking to minimize their loads.
It uses silnylon as a base fabric. Pack support is provided by your folded or rolled up sleeping pad.
Loads would have to be minimized to allow this pack to work and gear was generally limited to a small silnylon tarp, down comforter and an alcohol stove cook system.
Frameless backpacks have become more sophisticated over the years with better fabrics and features, but still work about the same with the same load limitations.
For most of our outings, these are NOT appropriate backpacks for what we do.
Examples:
Examples:
Cordura
Capacity: 35L + 6.5L external
Weight: 1.01lbs / 0.459kg
Looks very similar to the Hyperlite Southwest
Frame and pad can be removed to reduce weight by 5.3oz!
Mountainsmith Zerk 40 Backpack
1lb 13oz with accessories, 1lb 11oz without accessories
UK Pack
Nashville Pack Cutaway
Palante Packs V2
Zimmerbuilt Quickstep
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